Jeanne Chang’s gourmet popsicle shop, Lil’Pop Shop, born in UCity and with a second location coming to South Street, is the perfect place to beat the summer heat. But have you ever wondered which among her many unique flavors are ordered most? We did, so we asked.

And though we know each of the above flavors will hit the spot, what we really want to try right now, is the Red Hot Mango Chile Pepper. This popsicle flavor is a collaboration between Lil’Pop Shop their 44th Street neighbor, Honest Tom’s that brings together pureed mangoes and Honest Tom’s spicy habanero salsa.

44th Street in University City gets its second parklet today. The parking space sized park is a collaboration between the University City District and the City. It provides “an innovative, temporary seating platform that provides residents and visitors with a space to take in the area’s lively streetscape.”

The parklet is along the east side of 44th Street in front of Lil’ Pop Shop and Honest Tom’s, making it a great spot to relax with a burrito and a popsicle.

A couple weeks ago Honest Tom’s announced it was giving away its food truck to a worthy recipient and asked people to write in stating the reasons they deserved the truck. Yesterday evening Tom McCusker announced that Maru Global would receive the truck. Maru Global has had a trying time. In October of 2011 the building that housed their Maru Global on 10th Street suffered a fire in the heating system. Repair costs and disputes with the landlord forced the Takoyaki restaurant to close its doors in mid-Janaury, 2012.

In early February the concept resurfaced at Tokio restaurant on Lombard Street. Shortly afterwards owner Ryo Igarashi began suffering headaches. Turned out he had massive blood clot in his head that required immediate surgery.

The restaurant closed for good in April but has continued to show up at events and Night Markets. Having a truck will certainly give Philadelphia more access to the highly praised octopus balls and other Takoyaki delights.

Congratulate Ryo and his wife Nicole at the Baltimore Avenue Stroll on Thursday, July 19th where Maru will have a table. And of course support McCusker for doing such a good deed by visiting him in his taco shop at 261 S 44th Street.

Honest Tom’s storefront at 261 S 44th Street opened today at 8 a.m. Tom’s non-wheeled endeavor will offer the same tacos that have made him a hit on Drexel’s campus and elsewhere around town. He’ll also have burritos and some other specials from time to time.

Kung Fu Hoagies is the name of the forthcoming vegan hoagie cart that will be stationed around West and South Philadelphia. [Meal Ticket]

Rob LaScalla (LaScala, duh) bought Paradigm and Dulce over the summer. By the end of the week both will be open as affordable Italian concepts. Rocchino’s is open at Paradigm’s old address and will serve a menu of pizzas and pastas. Opening Thursday is Azione, an affordable red-gravy Italian spot that will serve family style. [The Insider]

Over the weekend a shooting took place at the tucked away PEP Bowl. Uncool. Uncool. PEP Bowl’s our spot. [Metro Philadelphia]